Most newspaper subscribers take for granted that their newspapers will be delivered each day, but don't realize all the work involved in getting the publications to them. Paper carriers, who often start delivering before sunrise, pick up the newspapers at newspaper or printing companies. They must then load and wrap them in plastic wrappers to protect them from rain or snow. Some hire their kids to wrap and toss the newspapers as they drive their routes. Paper carriers earn relatively low salaries compared to most occupations.

Salary and Qualifications

Paper carriers earned average annual salaries of $30,000 as of 2013, according to the job website Indeed. Since many paper deliverers are self-employed contractors for newspapers, their salaries are contingent on the number of customers and deliveries they make. Most have high school diplomas and a valid driver's license. Other key qualifications include self-motivation, hand-eye coordination, patience and customer service, and math and selling skills.

Salary by Region

Average salaries for paper carriers varied considerably within some of the four U.S. regions in 2013. In the South, they earned the highest salaries of $35,000 in Washington, D.C., and the lowest of $25,000 in Louisiana. Those in the West made between $21,000 and $33,000 per year, respectively, in Hawaii and California. Paper carriers in the Northeast earned $26,000 to $36,000, respectively, in Maine and New York. In the Midwest, employers in South Dakota and Nebraska paid their paper carriers a low of $23,000, while those in Illinois made the most at $32,000.

Contributing Factors

Since many paper carriers work as independent contractors for newspapers, they can increase their incomes by increasing their client bases. This is either accomplished by selling more newspapers within their territories, or acquiring additional routes in adjacent territories. Acquisitions usually require monetary investments. Some paper carriers hire high school or college student to assist them with the additional customers. They are likely to earn more in Boston, Chicago and New York City because newspaper circulations are higher in these cities -- and employers may have larger routes for sale.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects a jobs increase of 10 percent for driver/sales workers -- including paper carriers -- which is statistically about average compared to the 14 percent growth rate for all jobs. Paper carriers are more efficient in scheduling their routes because of GPS devices, so employers need fewer carriers to cover various routes. Jobs will also be hampered by large circulation decreases in many major newspapers.